What are the service obligations after graduating from the United States Naval Academy?

I'm considering applying to the United States Naval Academy. Can anyone explain what the service obligations are after graduating? How many years are typically required, and in what roles do graduates usually serve? Any insights would be super helpful!

After graduating from the United States Naval Academy, you'll be commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy or Marine Corps (you choose your branch in your second year at the academy). Your service obligation is a mandatory period of active duty service that typically lasts 5 years, although the length can vary depending on your specific career path. This commitment begins after you graduate.

While serving, you could work in extremely diverse roles, based on your interests, aptitude, and the needs of the Navy or Marine Corps. Examples of potential career paths include Surface Warfare, Submarines, Aviation, Special Warfare/Special Operations, Marine Corps, or as a Navy SEAL, among others.

After completing the active duty service obligation, graduates are required to stay in the military's "individual ready reserve" for a total eight-year service obligation. This means you could be called back to active service in case of a major conflict or other military need, but it's not common. So in total, you have an eight-year commitment to the military, although in most cases, only the first 5 years are spent in active duty.

Keep in mind that individual experiences can greatly vary, and the specifics of your post-graduation service will be influenced by a range of factors, including military needs and your personal aptitude and interests.

Hope this information helps!